When can you ride down those slides? Lincoln Aquatic Center nears opening in Palmetto

Ryan Callihan
·2 min read

The long-awaited pool at Lincoln Park will accept a limited number of visitors over Memorial Day Weekend before expanding capacity this summer.

In anticipation of high demand, county officials required residents to book an online reservation in advance of the holiday weekend. Reservations were sold out in less than eight hours, a county spokesperson said.

Small groups will be the first to take a “test splash” at the Lincoln Aquatic Center, 715 17th St. E., Palmetto. The area just south of the splash pad at Lincoln Park has undergone a massive transformation to include some of Manatee County’s most impressive water amenities.

The facility boasts two swirly water slides, a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions and a zero-entry pool and wet playground for early swimmers. It’s also the first public pool north of the Manatee River, which local officials see as a major win for residents.

“We are really proud of this facility,” said Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker. “We can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of the kids and families having fun here.”

For those lucky enough to snag a spot, next weekend’s opening will include food trucks, an inflatable bounce house and other family friendly activities.

Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy, who advocated for the construction of a pool at Lincoln Park, joined workers for a site tour Friday afternoon. The first sight of the facility stopped Bellamy in his tracks. He grabbed his face and shook his head as he soaked in the reality.

“This is awesome. I’m like a kid in a candy store right now,” said Bellamy, a Palmetto native. “I’ve been watching this since Day One, and I’ve been thinking about my upbringing and how we rode our bicycles to G.T. Bray so we could have access. Now it’s no more access denied.”

The pool’s opening on May 28 will limit each visitor’s stay to two hours and keep the facility at around 50% capacity throughout the day. County staff will monitor the weekend and determine the pools’ hours of operation at a later date.

“Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources staff will review and revise their operations after the reduced capacity opening to determine best practices and provisions for a world-class experience as the facility fully opens for the full summer season,” county spokesman Bill Logan said.

If you go

The Lincoln Aquatic Center will cost $2 per person for an all-day stay. Monthly passes will also be available at a discounted rate. For more information, visit www.MyManatee.org/MakeASplash.

Lifeguards wanted

Lifeguards are in demand. Those interested in becoming a lifeguard can visit www.MyManatee.org/jobs to learn more. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.

The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.
The Lincoln Aquatic Center in Palmetto features two swirly water slides, a zero-entry pool for early swimmers and a 25-yard swimming pool for local competitions.